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Founder, The Counteroffensive: Compelling human stories to illustrate news of the war in Ukraine. Fmr US Army medic. https://www.counteroffensive.news/
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Would you like to know more? Head to the link to stay up to date on our weekly issues about the happenings on the ground in Ukraine.
Here’s what Tania is listening to today: The Sharpest Lives - My Chemical Romance
Recently we published a story about the Belarus Free Theatre, which is banned in Russia and Belarus. To learn why, click the link and read the article!
The EC approved the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. The package will include limits on Russian shadow ships, oil traders in 3rd countries, a ban on imports of Russian LNG gas. Sanctions were also imposed on crypto and AI used for military purposes among other items.
The U.S. has approved the sale of Javelin missile systems to Poland for $780 million. This comes as Poland also plans to inspect 4,000 bomb shelters in Poland, as the country responds to over a dozen Russian drones flying deep in Polish territory last week. www.dsca.mil/Press-Media/...
Here’s what we are reading today: Russia and Vietnam have developed a method of concealing payments for arms deals to avoid US sanctions. The countries have been using profits from joint oil and gas ventures as payment, avoiding transfers through the global banking system.
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Here’s what Sofia is listening to today: Kali Uchis - Only Girl Feat. Vince Staples & Steve Lacy
Recently we had an article on Belarus Free Theatre. Art has always been seen as a threat to dictatorships, so it works underground in Belarus. If you missed it, click the link to learn more about how people, despite oppression, express freedom through performances!
As the U.S. demands the EU cease Russian oil imports, Slovakia and Hungary refuse to cut Russian oil and gas without alternatives. Meanwhile, WSJ reports some European officials believe Trump made impossible demands on purpose — to avoid imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.
Ukraine will get Patriot & Himars air defense missiles as part of the $2B aid package under PURL — a scheme allowing U.S. weapons requested by Ukraine to be funded by European NATO allies. Ukrainian air defense remains in short supply and key to Ukraine's survival.
Here’s what we are reading today: European Parliament Pres. announced the opening of a permanent EP office in Kyiv — a move to support Ukraine’s EU path and signal lasting wartime and post-war support. This comes as Ukraine becomes increasingly integrated into EU affairs.
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Here’s what Nastia is listening to today: Red Hot Chili Peppers – She’s a Lover
Missed our latest issue on how Belarus Free Theatre turned art into resistance against dictatorship? Click the link!
Researchers have found over 200 institutions in Russia and occupied Ukraine that 're-educate' abducted Ukrainian children. At these institutions these kids receive military training and make drones for the Russian army. Since 2022, Russia has abducted 20,000+ Ukrainian children.
Ukrainian forces flooded an underground pipeline near Kupyansk, a logistics hub for Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. The Russians used the pipeline as a means of transportation to avoid heavy casualties. This is the 3rd time Russians have been found using pipes as protection.
Here's what we're reading today: Lithuania’s DefMin opened the 1st of 9 schools, where children and adults are taught to fly and assemble drones. This comes after 2 Russian drones crashed in Lithuania this summer and last week over a dozen Russian drones flew deep into Poland.
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DOG OF WAR: Today’s Dog of War is this cutie traveling on the train with Zoriana's friend. All of her friends are now taking pictures of dogs because they've discovered this section of The Counteroffensive publication.
EU DELAYS NEW RUSSIAN SANCTIONS PACKAGE: The European Union will delay its latest sanctions against Russia, to “better align with G-7 priorities,” Bloomberg reports.
RESEARCH REVEALS EXPANDED DETENTION OF UKRAINIAN CHILDREN: A report by the Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab has discovered 150 new sites across Russia where Ukrainian children have been held since February 2022.
NEWS OF THE DAY: POLAND ENDORSES “NO-FLY ZONE” OVER UKRAINE: Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski called for a NATO no-fly zone over Ukraine to protect Europe from Russian strikes.
To dive deeper into the Belarus Free Theatre’s fight for freedom – click the link.
Founded in 2005, the Belarus Free Theatre had already earned a reputation for vivid, politically charged productions that defied Aleksandr Lukashenko’s repressive regime.
The Belarusian secret service, still known as the KGB, could raid at any moment, arresting both actors and spectators.
Just hours earlier, the show had been announced on social media. To attend, people had to call a number to reserve a spot. The performance’s exact location — constantly changing to avoid detection — was revealed only once they arrived at the rendezvous point.
Everyone who opposed the government in Belarus had heard of them.
None of them knew where they were going – it turned out to be a nearby garage complex, where a theatre group was having a secret show, a running act that had become a symbol of Belarus’ underground resistance.
They weren’t there for groceries, but instead for a clandestine meetup… for a play.
It was 8 p.m. in Minsk when several dozen people gathered outside a supermarket.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. From Stalin’s purges of writers to the Taliban’s bans on music, authoritarians have always targeted artists who give voice to dissent. That is why Belarus Free Theatre — banned by Lukashenko — performs underground.
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Here’s what Tania is listening to today: Третя Штурмова, Renie Cares — Дамоклів меч
Missed our latest issue on how Gen Z's global wave of protests is challenging leaders and rewriting the rules of political resistance around the world? Click the link!
40% of flights in Europe experience jamming or interference since the start of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine. This is due to GPS signal jamming, suspected to be caused by Russia. On Sep. 1, the plane of European Commission President was forced to land using paper maps.
Ukraine's Intelligence carried out a DDOS-cyberattack on the Russia's Central Election Commission. This occurred as Russia held online local elections for mayors and governors in regions of Russia as well as the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Here’s what we are reading today: Ukrainian drone operators will use their war experience to train Polish military personnel at a NATO training center in Poland in countering Russian drones. This follows Russian drones going into Poland last week, triggering NATO Article 4.
See the reality of the war. Subscribe to The Counteroffensive to discover real stories told straight from Ukraine. Catch more exclusive insights through the link!
Here’s what Aidan is listening to today: Bruce Springsteen — Dancing In the Dark
Catch our latest issue on how Gen Z's global wave of protests is challenging leaders and rewriting the rules of political resistance around the world via the link!
Russia has expanded its interference ahead of Moldova’s Sept. 28 elections, President Sandu warned. Her pro-Western government is fighting to keep a majority that is crucial to Ukraine’s security. Moldova shares a 1,222 km border with Ukraine and a linked EU accession plan.
Romania and Poland deployed aircraft after a Russian drone entered Romania’s airspace Saturday night. This comes after Russia triggered NATO Article 4 consultations earlier this week after it sent 19 drones deep into Polish airspace.
Here’s what we’re reading today: Trump ruled out harsher sanctions on Russia unless NATO allies stop buying Russian oil. He first issued the ultimatum to the EU. Extending it to NATO now puts pressure on Turkey, the 3rd-largest Russian oil buyer, and risks chances of progress.
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GEESE AND DOG OF WAR: This is an archive photo of Tania’s Christmas 2024 trip to Mykolaiv region. Russia occupied the territories where those geese lived till autumn 2022. In Tania’s memory, those villages are among the best she has ever visited.
NATO LAUNCHES OP IN EAST EUROPE: An operation to dissuade Russian aggression, named ‘Eastern Sentry,’ was announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, according to Suspilne.
UKRAINE EFFECTIVENESS UP VS. HYPERSONIC MISSILES: Russian hypersonic ‘Kinzhal’ missiles began to hit targets less frequently in 2025, thanks to the higher effectiveness of Ukrainian electronic warfare, according to Suspilne.
KREMLIN: PEACE TALKS ‘ON PAUSE’: Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "things are more on pause than active interaction... it's important not to wear rose-tinted glasses or expect that the negotiation process will deliver lightning-fast results."
RARE PEACEFUL NIGHT IN KYIV: Kyivians have come to look forward to visits by U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg, noticing that there's been an overlap with his visits to the city and nights without bombings.
NEWS OF THE DAY: INSIDE THE DAMAGED CABINET OF MINISTERS: On Sunday night, Russia damaged Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers in its largest attack since the full-scale invasion began — the first time they directly hit a key “decision-making center.”
Discover how Gen Z's global wave of protests is challenging leaders and rewriting the rules of political resistance around the world – click the link.
The latest cases are in Serbia and Nepal. Separated by thousands of kilometers, with different cultural and political contexts, young people in these countries are united by a desire for change.
But over the past year, young people around the world have managed to shake up their governments.
TikTok trends, new slang, and distinctive clothing styles are often perceived as a sign of being detached from reality or unwilling to take on real responsibility.
These are common remarks directed at Gen Z.
“How long can you sit on your phone?”
“You need to think more about the future.”
“You're too carefree.”
Good morning to readers. Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Despite the stereotypes surrounding Gen Z, it is proving its strength. Ashirwad and Teodora joined anti-corruption protests in their countries, Nepal and Serbia, demanding long-awaited changes.
See the reality of the war. Subscribe to The Counteroffensive to discover real stories told straight from Ukraine. Catch more exclusive insights through the link.
Here is what Aidan is listening to today: Luke Combs - Where the Wild Things Are
Find out which 23 Republicans are exploiting the murder of Iryna Zarutska in the U.S. to push anti-Ukrainian narratives. To discover how the tragedy is being weaponized for politics, and the role of bots in amplifying racist messages – click the link.
G7 finance ministers meet today to consider tariffs on India and China over their purchases of Russian oil. This is the first step European leaders have taken under U.S. pressure to impose tougher penalties on Russia’s partners.
Denmark bought $9 billion air defence systems - its largest defense purchase in history - citing an increasingly “challenging security situation.” NATO allies are continuing to ramp up their defenses after 19 Russian drones penetrated Polish airspace on Wednesday.
Here’s what we’re reading today: Ukrainian drone strikes have increased internet blackouts across Russia, costing Moscow $557.1mn per hour in disruptions to businesses and public services. This comes as Russia’s war economy strains under energy attacks and Western sanctions.
Curious for more untold stories from Ukraine? Join our 150k community from all around the world in supporting groundbreaking journalism Follow along through the link!
Here’s what Sofia is listening to today: Clairo – Impossible
Missed our article on the hypocrisy around Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska’s murder? 23 Republicans who oppose Ukraine aid used her death for politics — while bots fueled racism. Read more via the link!
Satellite images show a new military site under construction in Belarus that could house Russia’s ‘Oreshnik’ — an IRBM missile which can carry nuclear warheads. The secretive project on a former Soviet base comes ahead of Belarus-Russia drills 'Zapad-2025' this week.
Poland asked NATO for more air defense, including Patriots and anti-drone tech, after the Russian attack. Allies think Patriots are best placed in Ukraine. This comes after NATO invoked Article 4, which triggers urgent talks when a member sees a threat to its security.
Here's what we're reading today: Poland will put limits on flights near Belarus and Ukraine until Dec 9. Latvia will close the airspace along its border with Belarus and Russia until Sept 18. Both cite the threat of Russian drones, reflecting growing EU concerns about Russia.
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DEER OF WAR: Today’s Deer of War is this cutie, which Tania’s boyfriend spotted in a Kyiv forest while taking FPV-drone control courses.
GERMANY, UK STEP UP UKRAINE DRONE SUPPORT: Germany announced a $351 million program to supply Ukraine with thousands of long-range drones for deep strikes on Russian targets, unveiled at the Ramstein summit in London, Kyiv Post reports.
TRUMP PUSHES EU TO JOIN TARIFFS ON CHINA, INDIA OVER RUSSIA: President Donald Trump said he is ready to impose broad tariffs on China and India to pressure Vladimir Putin into peace talks with Ukraine — but only if European allies take similar steps, CNBC reports.
NEWS OF THE DAY: POLAND SHOOTS DOWN RUSSIAN DRONES IN NATO AIRSPACE: Poland shot down Russian drones that violated its airspace during strikes on western Ukraine, calling it an “act of aggression”, The Counteroffensive reports.
To discover The Counteroffensive’s list of 23 anti-Ukrainian Republicans exploiting the murder, Republicans blaming Democrats, how the tragedy is weaponized by those indifferent to Ukrainian lives, and the role of bots in spreading racism – click the link.
And chances are, you wouldn’t have heard of Iryna Zarutska either, except for the online stirrings of the far right.
You won’t hear any of these names mentioned by MAGA loyalists.
Neither of them survived.
Three days ago, Russian forces sent drones into the home of Viktoriia Hrebeniuk and her two-month-old son.
She had just graduated from high school this year — her whole future still ahead of her. Now, her body will never breathe again.
Nina Mazur died that night as well.
24-year-old Nadiia Yakymenko and her little daughter were killed by a Russian missile at the end of August.
Good morning to readers; Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. Republicans are using the murder of a Ukrainian refugee in the U.S. to further their agenda. We have uncovered that many of them have previously voiced anti-Ukraine views, showing they don’t care about Iryna's life.
You don’t need to be in Ukraine to make an impact. You just need to stay informed – and speak up. Join us through the link!
Here’s what Zoriana is listening to today: Tom Rosenthal — It's Ok
Missed our issue on one month since Trump’s meaningless deadline? We broke down support services in Ukrainian units, the fallout from Trump’s meeting with Putin, why many Ukrainians don’t believe in a quick end to the war, and much more. Check it out via the link!
Czech intelligence and allies uncovered a Belarusian spy network using diplomatic cover. It included a former Moldovan intelligence deputy passing secrets to the KGB. Belarus’s close ties to Russia heighten espionage risks for Europe, especially Ukraine.
The U.S. is ending cooperation with European partners to combat disinformation from Russia, China, and Iran. This signals a U.S. retreat from leadership in the information war, leaving Europe, including Ukraine, more vulnerable to Moscow's fake news.
Here’s what we’re reading today: Ukraine is importing diesel fuel from India amid Russian attacks on Ukrainian refineries. India imports most of its crude oil from Russia, which complicates Ukrainian energy security and poses political risks for Ukraine.
Feel like the world’s gone silent on Ukraine? We haven’t. Neither should you. Get the stories that still matter via the link!
DOG OF WAR: Today’s dog of war is Malik, from Nastia’s hometown. Every time she comes back he starts barking at her, but soon recognizes a friend, jumps around and won’t leave her side.
RUSSIA EXITS ANTI-TORTURE TREATY: Russia is withdrawing from the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, a treaty that allows international monitors to inspect prisons.
TRUMP THREATENS TOUGHER SANCTIONS (AGAIN): Trump has threatened new sanctions against Moscow after Russia launched its heaviest strike on Ukraine since the start of the invasion.
NEWS OF THE DAY: RUSSIA’S SHADOW FLEET EXPANDS: Russia’s fleet of oil tankers operating outside normal regulations has continued to grow despite Western sanctions, according to Saad Rahim, who is a chief economist at ‘Trafigura’ trading house.
To read about what support services do in Ukrainian units, the consequences of Trump’s meeting with Putin, why Liudmila and many Ukrainians don’t believe in a quick end to the war, and the hardest part of working in a brigade’s support services — click the link!
It cares for soldiers and their families when they’ve been wounded, killed, taken prisoner, or gone missing in action.
Liudmyla decided to join the military about a year ago, when she became head of the ‘Khartia’ patronage service, a support service that exists (or is being established) in every Ukrainian brigade.
